Gummy Smile Treatment Vancouver, Kitsilano, Point Grey
Gummy Smile: Causes and Treatments
A gummy smile can result from several reasons, and treating this condition depends on the cause of the excessive gingival display. Prosthodontists conduct detailed, comprehensive extra and intraoral examinations and measurements within their scope of expertise. Moreover, smile correction often involves addressing the underlying issues to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. By understanding the etiology, they can tailor the treatment to achieve the best results for each patient.
Most common reasons for gummy smile:
Short Lips
Sometimes short upper lips result in a gummy smile; in other cases, a normal length but hyperactive lips can result in gingival display, meaning excessive elevation of upper lip during smile or speech.
Worn teeth
When teeth are worn, they appear shorter, and the proportion of tooth and gun showing is altered. This is often followed by an overgrowth of gingival tissues and supporting alveolar bone, which worsens the situation.
Altered passive eruption
When teeth erupt and emerge from the bone and gums, a natural phenomenon occurs where the surrounding gum moves in the opposite direction. This process, known as passive eruption, involves the gum’s apical migration. However, this migration sometimes fails to occur, resulting in short clinical crowns and excessive gingival display. This condition is referred to as Altered Passive Eruption.
Medications
Some medicines have chemicals that can cause gum inflammation and gingival hypertrophy as their side effects. The most common medications are anti-epileptic, anti-depressants, and anti-hypertension medicines. .
Skeletal discrepancies
In many cases, the underlying factor is positioning and proportion of facial bones, particularly upper jaw or Maxilla.
Treatments:
Gingival/Gum re-contouring (gingivoplasty)
Maybe the treatment of choice in mild cases with gingival overgrowth and altered passive eruption. This can be done with a laser or minimal surgical incision.
Surgical jaw bone repositioning
It is recommended in advanced cases in which significant correction required.
Crown lengthening/Gum reduction surgery
This procedure is a very common and conservative method for improving gum display. In this approach, a careful analysis of the smile and a mock diagnostic setup help define the amount of gum reduction. A prosthodontist plans the procedure, while a periodontist performs the gum reduction.
At Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic, a team of periodontists and prosthodontists work closely together to provide smile correction using evidence-based technologies and assessment techniques. Consequently, they aim to deliver the highest quality of care to clients concerned about their gummy smile. Additionally, their collaborative approach ensures comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.